A Chiropractor in West Palm Beach can help you with many ailments by way of adjustments. However, the food you consume on a daily basis has a very large impact on your body and the thousands of underlying processes that go on inside it every day. Nutrition is certainly a significant factor in your health. So some of your lifestyle choices outside of the doctor’s office can influence the effectiveness of treatment. When you eat well, your immune system fights off illness better, you elevate your brain function, you lose weight and your energy soars. By incorporating certain foods into your diet, you can contribute to faster healing and continued wellness.
While taking a multi-vitamin/ multi-mineral supplement, fish oil supplement, probiotics and supplemental calcium for women is a good idea, your daily vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients should be mostly obtained by eating a nutritious diet. Moreover, include as much fresh food as possible. And avoid processed or fast food as much as possible. Eat an abundance of green vegetables and fruits everyday. A green shake/ smoothie in the morning with one cup of green vegetables can start your day. You may prevent cancer and help your body fight toxins by doing this. Your diet for general wellness and reducing inflammation in your body could start with what’s recommended here. Read below to learn about how chiropractic and nutrition work hand in hand.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates (fiber, starches and sugars) are essential food nutrients that your body turns into glucose to give you the energy to function. Minimize refined carbohydrates. Too many simple carbs can contribute to weight gain. They can also increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Complex carbs in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products are less likely to spike blood sugar than simple carbs (sugars).
In addition, reduce your consumption of foods made with wheat flour and sugar, especially bread and most packaged snack foods (pretzels, chips). Eat more whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. These are preferable to whole wheat flour products. Furthermore, many people don’t tolerate wheat. Eat foods that don’t raise your blood sugar excessively, because foods that elevate your blood sugar give you only a quick rush followed by a crash. Avoid foods that are excessively high in carbs like french fries, ice cream and chocolate cake. Instead eat winter squashes and sweet potatoes.
Eliminate as much as possible products made with high fructose corn syrup. These food products and beverages are usually processed junk. For instance, make your own beverage and sweeten with stevia or monk fruit.
Fiber
Fiber is a healthy complex carbohydrate. Firstly, your body can’t break down fiber. Secondly, most of it passes through the intestines, stimulating and aiding digestion. Thirdly, fiber also regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. Lastly, it also might help you feel fuller longer. Increase your consumption of fruit, especially berries, vegetables (I.e. beans) and whole grains for fiber intake.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are a substance found in certain plants which is believed to be beneficial to human health and help prevent various diseases. For protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease as well as against environmental toxicity, eat an array of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Choose fruits and vegetables of all colors: berries, tomatoes, orange and yellow fruits and dark leafy greens. Eat cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables regularly. Choose organic when possible.
Drink tea instead of coffee if possible. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants. Red wine is preferred if you drink alcohol. Red wine reduces mortality (death) by more than 30 percent according to some studies (as long as you tolerate it).
Fats
Your body needs some fat from food. It’s a source of energy and helps you absorb some vitamins and minerals. Fat is needed to build cell membranes, the vital exterior of each cell. Similarly, your body uses fat to build the sheaths surrounding nerves. It is essential for blood clotting, muscle movement, and reducing inflammation. But some fats are better than others. Good fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Bad ones include industrial-made trans fats like margarine and partially hydrogenated oils.
Omega-3 fatty acids (polyunsaturated) may help prevent and even treat heart disease and stroke. In addition to reducing blood pressure, raising HDL, and lowering triglycerides, polyunsaturated fats may help prevent heart rhythms from arising. Your source of omega-3s can be consumed by wild-caught fish. Eat salmon once or twice a week. Plant based sources include flaxseeds and walnuts (also Omega-6 fatty acids). Reduce your intake of saturated fat by eating less butter, cream, high fat cheese, and fatty meats. Use extra-virgin olive oil (monounsaturated) in cooking. Include in your diet nuts and avocados (monosaturated). Try nut butters from almond, walnut and cashews.
Protein
More than 10,000 types of protein are found in everything from your organs to your muscles and tissues to your bones, skin, and hair. Decrease your consumption of animal protein except for fish and high quality natural yogurt (probiotic source). Eat cheese only if your body can tolerate it. Eat more vegetable protein such as beans. Try the range of whole-soy foods such as tempeh (probiotic source).
Water
Among other things, hydration keeps the joints lubricated, muscles and spine healthy and helps your skin look young and vibrant. Drink 8 glasses of pure water a day. However, for hydration “mostly water drinks” could be tea, very diluted juice or sparkling water with lemon. Use bottled or get a home water purifier if the water tastes of chlorine or has other suspected contaminates.
According to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ (Nabco’s) Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2015 “Chiropractic is based on the premise that the body is able to achieve and maintain health through its own natural recuperative powers, provided it has a properly functioning nervous system and receives the necessary health maintenance components. These components include adequate nutrition, water, rest exercise and clean air”.
Your chiropractor in West Palm Beach will adjust your spine to improve the relationship between the spine and nervous system, which affects the function of all the organs and systems in your body. She will educate you on how to prevent future suffering by learning and implementing a lifestyle for health self enhancement. In this regard, we may give take home exercises, recommend ergonomic changes and nutritional changes. Call Dr. Natalie Meiri, your chiropractor in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to find out more about How Chiropractic and Nutrition Work Hand in Hand or to schedule an appointment.